Informer: DOTD says Sulphur intersection site of two wrecks

There have been about 12 major wrecks at Ravia Road and Beglis Parkway in the last two years. What can be done about this? I’m afraid someone will be killed.

Deidra Druilhet, a spokeswoman with the state Department of Transportation and Development, said traffic data show that the Ravia-Beglis Parkway intersection has been the site of only two accidents in the last two years, both of them caused by driver error.

But, she said, the DOTD derives its data from accident reports forwarded to it from state police, who in turn get their data from their own investigations and from other agencies.

Additionally, she noted, not all drivers report to police the accidents they’ve been involved in.

“DOTD would be highly interested in obtaining supplemental crash information for this intersection in order to perform the necessary traffic studies and determine the appropriate countermeasures, if needed,” she wrote in an email.

‘Theory,’ ‘Roseanne’ share cast members

We are big fans of “Big Bang Theory,” and we noticed that several of the key players are the same people that played on “Roseanne.” Does the same person produce it? Does the same person write it?

According to the Internet Movie Database, Chuck Lorre, the producer and co-creator of “The Big Bang Theory,” wrote 12 episodes of “Roseanne” — a show that, as the reader points out, included “The Big Bang Theory” cast members Johnny Galecki, Sara Gilbert and Laurie Metcalf.

Failing to move over could net $200 fine

When a law enforcement vehicle is on the shoulder of an interstate, what is the legal requirement for moving over, and fine for noncompliance, if applicable?

R.S. 32:125 directs drivers to take certain actions as they approach vehicles that are parked on or near highways and are using “any visual signals as authorized by law, including the display of alternately flashing amber or yellow warning lights.”

On interstates and on highways “with two or more lanes traveling in the same direction,” drivers should put a lane between them and the parked car. “If a lane change is not possible, the driver shall slow to a reasonably safe speed,” reads the statute.

Drivers who can’t switch lanes and those who are on two-lane roads should “maintain a safe speed for road conditions” as they approach parked vehicles.

The penalty for failing to comply with the law is a fine of up to $200.

The Informer answers questions from readers each Sunday, Monday and Wednesday. It is researched and written by Andrew Perzo, an American Press staff writer. To ask a question, call 494-4098, press 5 and leave voice mail, or email informer@americanpress.com